Examining the Proposed Disc Golf Course at Civic Field Complex: Balancing Recreation with Environmental Stewardship

David MacLeod
Jan 30
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

By Rodd Pemble

January 30, 2026

Whatcom Environmental Council (WEC) Weighs in on the Draft Master Plan

The City of Bellingham has recently released its draft master plan for the Civic Field Complex, sparking a lively conversation among residents, recreation enthusiasts, and environmental advocates. Casual observers may not have noticed a proposed 9-hole disc golf course crisscrossing the only forest on the site. While the idea of adding disc golf—a sport enjoyed year-round by people of all ages—sounds appealing, the Whatcom Environmental Council (WEC) is concerned about the ecological and public impacts of this new development.

Disc golf is celebrated for encouraging physical activity and providing accessible recreation. However, it’s also been linked to notable environmental damage and changes in how surrounding natural areas are affected. The existing disc golf course in Cornwall Park has resulted in severe impacts to the forest - compacted soil, damaged trees, and trampled underbrush have left the course a virtual ecological desert. To make an informed decision, it's important to examine both the benefits and potential drawbacks, drawing on language from the draft plan and previous environmental studies.

A Glimpse at the Draft Plan

On page 35, the draft master plan describes the disc golf course as a “light-footprint use” that preserves the existing forest canopy while inviting a new, pro-social activity. The plan emphasizes that the forest will remain largely intact and that the disc golf course will be woven into the natural landscape, minimizing impact

The forest in question is a rich, diverse ecosystem, home to a mix of mature conifer and deciduous trees, a well-developed understory, and dense patches of underbrush. Its species diversity rivals that of larger local forests, supporting an array of wildlife and providing vital ecological services. Water from the forest drains north through small channels and wetlands, eventually feeding into Whatcom Creek — an essential resource for species like coho and steelhead salmon, as well as cutthroat trout.

Community Benefits and Ecological Value

The benefits of this forest stretch far beyond its scenic beauty. It helps manage stormwater, buffers traffic noise, offers habitat for wildlife, reduces the urban heat island effect, and adds value to neighboring properties. Residents enjoy its tranquility while walking or biking its trails, while birds and other animals depend on it for nesting and foraging.

A 2003 wildlife habitat assessment conducted by the City (including “Block 69,” the forest in question) described a lowland temperate conifer forest with crucial wetland components. Despite some degradation along Lincoln Creek and litter left by visitors, the assessment noted the area’s potential for restoration, particularly salmon habitat. Despite its modest size, this forest provides refuge for wildlife, while adjacent lawn and parking areas offer few alternatives for foraging.

Restoration Priorities and Challenges

The November 2015 Final Bellingham Habitat Restoration, Technical Assessment further affirmed the significance of this forest. According to Table B-8, the site ranked first for restoration and fifth for enhancement among local forests. Its only low score—permanent and regulatory protection—was due to existing city ownership, not to low ecological value.

The technical assessment emphasized the role of Forest Block 069 in the larger landscape and pointed out opportunities for improving habitat quality and connectivity. While the draft Parks plan promises a “light footprint,” any large new use—especially disc golf which brings increased foot traffic, disc retrieval, and unmonitored trail creation—could pose risks to sensitive plants, soil structure, and the quiet refuge that wildlife and people depend on. Can disc golf coexist with habitat protection and restoration in the Civic Field Forest? The WEC does not think it can.

Finding a Balanced Path Forward

As the Civic Field Complex master planning moves forward, the Whatcom Environmental Council (WEC) encourages all stakeholders to consider the long-term ecological impacts alongside the recreational benefits. Are there design modifications or stewardship commitments that could minimize harm and maximize community value? The WEC believes the dispersed nature of the sport and its lack of monitoring mean forest damage will be inevitable. Clearing nine swaths of forest, each one 15-40 feet wide, by an average 240-260 feet long is not a “light footprint.” Review the photos below and see what you think, or take a walk through both Cornwall Park and Civic Field forests before you make up your mind.

WEC believes if additional disc golf facilities are appropriate for Bellingham, a “prairie style” course could be placed at some other local property where harm will be less to public resources.

Now is a critical opportunity for residents to share their perspectives with our Parks & Recreation Advisory Board members (parks@cob.org) and City Council representatives (ccmail@cob.org). Ask questions and ensure that both people and nature have a voice in the future of this cherished space. Time is of the essence - the final draft is expected to reach the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board on February 11th, and if approved, on to the City Council for a final vote likely in March.

By working together, Bellingham residents can create a re-imagined Civic Field Complex that supports healthy outdoor recreation while honoring its unique natural heritage.